The much anticipated cabinet reshuffle has finally arrived. Malaysiakini speaks to several politicians to get their feedback.

Shahrir Abdul Samad (BN backbenchers club chairperson)

It's still Pak Lah's team. New blood and experienced people are in. There should not be any problems for them to function in the system. We have to allow them to operate.

(On Rafidah Aziz being retained as minister) In Pak Lah's view, may be he cannot replace the experienced. I don't know what to say. No doubts about her command of the ministry and the issues. It's just that she is not so popular but she can perform as a good minister although she may not be popular with everyone. In the cabinet system you also have to take the unpopular, you can't only take popular politicians.

Liow Tiong Lai (Deputy Youth and Sports Minister)

I must thank PM for having confidence in me. I must also thank my party (MCA) president (Ong Ka Ting) for recommending me and also the (MCA)Youth members for giving me their full support. This position is relevant to the youth. I must work hard for the youth and assist the minister in achieving the goal of the ministry.

The cabinet is PM's prerogative. He wants a strong team to help him.

Ng Lip Yong (Deputy International Trade and Industry Minister)

I thank the PM and the party for the trust they have in me. I will try my best to carry out the responsibilities. Actually my current position (parliamentary secretary for plantation enterprises and commodities) also has a lot to do with external trades. Now in the Ministry of International Trade and Industry, it will be a widening of the scope into the industrial and electronic.

Why do people only zoom in on the AP issue. Why doesn't anybody talk about the electronic issues in (MITI). My area is electronic engineering, information technology and communications. I have to speak to the minister and find out what she wants me to do. I need assistance from all of them.

I don't know why I have been promoted. It's best that those who have promoted me tell you.

The PM has his reasons for the reshuffle. We should not second guess him. I think he has made the decision so we should accept the decision. After all, it's his prerogative.

Lim Kit Siang ( Parliamentary opposition leader)

A great disappointment this must sum up the reaction of Malaysians to the long-delayed Cabinet reshuffle announced by the prime minister.

There is no downsizing to reduce the bloated Cabinet created after the March 2004 general election to a decent number proportionate to Malaysia's population and needs.

There is no infusion of new blood to replace the deadwood in the Cabinet.

The second Abdullah Cabinet neither inspires nor motivates Malaysians to excellence, glory and distinction to become towering personalities who can stand tall in the era of globalization to compete and take on the best in the rest of the world.

Tian Chua (Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief)

As predicted, we did not see many changes. We did not see a team that represents the premier's reform agenda. We did not see enough new energy injected into the cabinet. It's disappointing that he still failed to have a new team to push an agenda for change.

Nasharuddin Mat Isa (PAS deputy president)

We were surprised. We were expecting major changes in the lineup. But instead, ministers who have been implicated with corruption (scandals) are still in the cabinet.

(The reshuffle was) too late, and of little significance as most members have retained their posts. Change and reform within the government has been much awaited but the outcome of the cabinet reshuffle is disappointing.